This PDF can help ECC facilitators better understand their students, their strengths and challenges, via examples of ESL profiles. At the end it provides some questions for the teachers to ask themselves. Even though it is U.S. based, it can be applied to Canadian context.

This is a bit of busy site, but it could be useful resource if your ECC wants to discuss travel and vacations. The site allows you to explore different travel destinations from around the world and itineraries. A fun jumping place if you want to share a few sample itineraries and have your participants create their own.

Use rhyme in music to improve pronunciation and build vocabulary. Play a popular (Canadian) song from the radio for the class and provide them with the lyrics. See if they are able to identify the rhyming words. When a rhyme is identified, brainstorm other words that rhyme. Provide definitions when new words arise. Do this until all rhymes have been identified.

Discuss, in small groups, whether the list of topics here are appropriate small talk subjects. Go through them together to see what people thought and clarify if there are any misconceptions or disagreement about whether a topic is appropriate or not.

Latest moviesThe one true path to eternal lifeLocal hockey teamCarsA product you would like sell to everyoneDeath penaltyYour hometownHow much you makeYour last holidayYour favourite celebrityThe "correct" political partyWeatherGardeningYour health problemsYour family

Time idioms - Large Group Discussion Activity

If you're planning on talking about time at your ECC, have some fun discussing idioms. Here's a quick list to help you get started:

This book consists of thirteen chapters, each devoted to a particular conversation function. For example, the first chapter is devoted to "introducing yourself and others" and features lots of casual phrases, idioms, and slang surrounding the topic. This is great resource for generating ideas as it focuses on conversational, everyday English.

If you have beginners in your program, this could be handy resource to complement the Oxford Picture Dictionary found in all our ECC Supply Bags. The workbook addresses the needs of the low-beginning learners by practising the most essential, level-appropriate words.